Kelly Ripa Makes A Heartbreaking Confession About Co-Star's Passing

Kelly Ripa and Regis Philbin sat side-by-side every day for a decade, wishing a cheery "Good morning!" to millions of viewers. But while their chemistry seemed so natural, many fans wondered if the Live stars got along when the cameras weren't rolling. Were they even friends at all? Or was there, as rumors have suggested, a hint of a rivalry between them? Now Kelly has finally settled the score and addressed her real feelings toward her late costar.

The official statement

After Philbin's death in July 2020, the hosts of Live with Kelly and Ryan issued a joint statement, but some fans felt it didn't quite convey Ripa's true feelings about losing her former partner-in-crime. "We are beyond saddened to learn about the loss of Regis Philbin. He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes every day on Live for more than 23 years," they said.

Buried feelings

From there, Kelly and Ryan continued, "We were beyond lucky to have him as a mentor in our careers and aspire everyday to fill his shoes on the show. We send our deepest love and condolences to his family and hope they can find some comfort in knowing he left the world a better place." Still, fans were curious how Ripa really felt, given her often complicated relationship with Philbin.

Ripa's path

After all, Regis helped turn Kelly Ripa from a television performer into a television star. In the 1990s, All My Children cemented her as a reliable soap opera star, but Ripa's career easily could've been caught in limbo if she didn't branch out into other opportunities. Kelly wasn't the only one in need of a change either.

The co-host search

It's easy to forget that 2000 was a tense time for both of them. Regis' longtime partner-in-crime Kathie Lee Gifford chose to depart, ending a 12-year coupling of the biggest duo in daytime TV. Live searched far and wide for a suitable replacement, auditioning everyone from Lisa Rinna to Rosie O'Donnell.